Now comes word that he’s been medically cleared in time for the start of training camp in a few weeks, but questions remain as to what his role will be with the team, and whether or not he’ll be traded before the season is through.

I hear that Anderson Varejao was been cleared for all basketball activities when the Cavs open training camp in a few weeks. Varejao missed 57 games last season because of a leg injury followed by blood clots. In the last three seasons, he has played only 81 games … and missed 149 … due to various injuries. So it’s hard to count on him.

The 6-foot-10 Varejao will turn 31 on September 28. Naturally, he will have some trade value if he can stay healthy. But the Cavs want him to set the defensive tone inside, especially getting back to the excellent team-style defense that he played for [Mike Brown]. While he was a monster on the boards under [Byron Scott], his team defense (switching off his man to defend the hoop) suffered. Of course, that was an issue for the entire team.

Varejao averaged a career-best 14.1 points and 14.4 rebounds in 36 minutes per game last season, but only appeared in 25 contests.

This season, there is much more frontcourt help on the roster, so Varejao shouldn’t need to play nearly as many minutes.

Varejao has two years left on his contract at just over $9 million per season, but the last year is only partially guaranteed. If he shows an ability to contribute at a high level while staying healthy, Cleveland will have options to deal him at the trade deadline.

Although if the influx of free agent talent has the Cavaliers in position to meet this season’s goal of reaching the playoffs, they may decide to hold onto Varejao until next summer.